prCEN ISO/TS 7552-3

Specifications for pre-examination processes for circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in venous whole blood -- Part 3: Preparations for analytical CTC staining prCEN ISO/TS 7552-3

Scope

This document specifies guidelines on the handling, storage, processing and documentation of human venous whole blood specimens intended for staining of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) during the pre-examination phase before a molecular examination is performed.

This document is applicable to molecular in vitro diagnostic examinations performed and/or developed by medical laboratories, in vitro diagnostics developers and manufacturers, institutions and commercial organizations performing biomedical research.
It is also intended to be used by laboratory customers including health institutions requesting examinations for their patients as well as biobanks and regulatory authorities.

This document does not cover pre-analytical workflow requirements for viable CTC cryopreservation and culturing.

NOTE 1 The requirements given in this document can also be applied to other circulating rare cells (e.g. fetal cells).

NOTE 2 International, national or regional regulations or requirements can also apply to specific topics covered in this document.